KUALA LUMPUR: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said she is unfazed by claims that she was responsible for the fall of her husband, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, describing the accusations as baseless.
Speaking to Berita Harian at her Kuala Lumpur residence yesterday, Rosmah said she draws strength from her family and close friends, who know the truth behind the negative narratives.
Staying strong for family
Rosmah, who appeared calm and serene during a special interview at her home in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, expressed disappointment at political leaders celebrating her family’s suffering following Najib’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) conviction.
“What is saddening is when there are parties who take joy in the hardship and trials of our family,” she said, referring to the posts by several politicians after Najib was convicted in connection with the case.
Najib was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined more than RM11 billion following his conviction.
“No matter how much they hate Najib and me, I feel there is no need for anyone to take joy in our hardship,” she lamented, her tone tinged with regret.
A new life focus, and leaving things to fate
Speaking on the current phase in her life, Rosmah said she now prefers to dedicate her attention entirely to her family and leave matters to Allah SWT so that “justice and truth may prevail in the future.”
She claimed that today’s state of affairs were closely tied to political manoeuvrings in the country.
“Everyone knows what is happening today is because of politics. As a wife, I always pray for my husband’s well-being and justice,” she said.
She said that her routine now revolves around caring for her grandchildren and family while being supported by friends and relatives, who form her strongest support system.
“Prayer, Quran recitation… all my practices for God need no elaboration. Surely, as a wife, I am always praying for my husband,” she said.
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Avoiding government affairs
Although frequently visited by ordinary citizens seeking her counsel, Rosmah said she has now chosen not to involve herself in any government administration matters or offer public opinions. This, she said, was to avoid misunderstandings or slander that might arise if she commented on national affairs.
“Many come asking for advice, and so on, but I no longer want to interfere. If I speak, surely some will say I am meddling in matters unrelated to me,” she said.
Concerns over Permata Pintar
At the same meeting yesterday, Rosmah hosted 25 Permata Pintar students and their families, who voiced disappointment over the lack of continuity in the elite education programme.
Permata Pintar is a government initiative managed by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to identify and nurture gifted students through a specialised programme at Kolej PERMATA@Pintar.
Parents who attended expressed concern for their children’s future, as most students have offers from top global universities, but the lack of scholarships means their education halts at the secondary school level.
Rosmah urged the authorities to address the issue seriously without mixing political sentiments with the future of young Malaysians.
“The relevant parties should care about this and ensure Malaysian children get the best opportunities to continue their education. Even if they hate me and Najib, do not jeopardise the future of Malaysia’s children,” she said.
Najib regrets missing his grandchildren’s milestones
Despite the challenges, Rosmah said she must maintain a calm image for the sake of her husband.
“I am sure that is what he wants, I have to be strong for our family. Actually, he is more upset about the false stories circulating now,” she said.
She also shared Najib’s deepest regret: missing the opportunity to watch his grandchildren grow up.
“He missed many milestones in the family. That is what we regret the most. All the grandchildren love their grandfather and often ask about Najib. We try our best to protect them and share as much as we can,” she added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
